Existing epidemiologic and clinical studies have demonstrated that obesity is associated with the risk of a variety of cancers. In recent years, an increasing number of experimental and clinical studies have unraveled the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and the underlying mechanisms. Obesity-induced abnormalities in immunity and biochemical metabolism, including chronic inflammation, hormonal disorders, dysregulation of adipokines, and microbial dysbiosis, may be important contributors to cancer development and progression. These contributors play different roles in cancer development and progression at different sites. "Obesity may affect the risk of cancer at different sites to varying degrees through the same mechanism, which may be attributed to the heterogeneity of the role of the mechanism in the development of cancer at different sites.", said by the study's leader, Peng Luo. Lifestyle changes, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery are key approaches for weight-centered, obesity-related cancer prevention. Treatment of obesity-related inflammation and hormonal or metabolic dysregulation with medications has also shown promise in preventing obesity-related cancers.
This review summarizes the mechanisms through which obesity affects the risk of cancer at different sites and explores intervention strategies for the prevention of obesity-associated cancers, concluding with unresolved questions and future directions regarding the link between obesity and cancer. Professor Peng Luo said: "We aim to provide theoretical support and insights for the in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and developing personalized cancer prevention and treatment strategies for obese patients."
